For many survivors of gender-based violence in Kwale County, escaping abuse did not guarantee safety. With no safe houses available, women and girls were often forced to return to abusive homes, seek temporary shelter with relatives, or stay in police stations ill-equipped to provide protection and psychosocial care. Despite these challenges, survivor protection remained largely […]
For years, violence against women and girls in many communities across Embu was rarely reported beyond the family compound. Survivors often suffered in silence, with cases settled informally by relatives or councils of elders. While these traditional approaches sought to preserve family harmony, they frequently denied survivors justice, protection and access to essential support services. […]
“Always use your voice and remain resilient.” With these words, Kenyan human rights defender and lawyer Michelle Mwelesa, who recently visited Finland, summed up her message while speaking at the World Village Festival in May. Mwelesa works as an advocacy officer at Civic Freedom Forum (CFF), a Kenyan human rights organisation supported by KIOS. Mwelesa […]
For many LGBTIQA+ individuals in Mombasa County, the idea of seeking justice has long felt out of reach. While legal aid exists on paper, reality often tells a different story. Over time, this has created a climate of silence. But KIOS grantee Centre for Minority Rights and Strategic Litigation (CMRSL) is changing this one case […]
The open call is now closed! KIOS received a total of 88 applications. Thank you to all for the interest in this open call and sharing it. KIOS launches an open call for Expressions of Interest to support human rights work in Sri Lanka carried out by local civil society organisations. Smaller organisations with limited funding opportunities are […]
The founding organizations of KIOS Foundation elected new KIOS Board of Directors for the next two years. The newly elected Chair of the KIOS Board is Outi Hannula (Kepa) and Vice-Chair is Eva-Marita Rinne-Koistinen (Finn Church Aid). The Board of KIOS has the responsibility of overseeing the activities and of managing the funds of KIOS. […]
